“Now for the deer; let’s see who the animal belongs to,” cried Boone, kneeling down by the carcass.
“Why, kurnel, I resign all claim. It ain’t for me to dispute with Kurnel Boone!” exclaimed Lark.
“Resign your claim?” cried Boone, in astonishment. “Not by a jugful. I’ll wager my rifle ag’in’ a popgun that you’re as good a hand at the rifle as myself. It’s just as likely to be your deer as mine.”
Then the two carefully examined the carcass. They found the marks of the two bullets easily; both had struck the animal just behind the shoulder, but on opposite sides. It was difficult to determine which had inflicted the death-wound.
“Well, now, this would puzzle a lawyer,” muttered Boone.
“S’pose we divide the animal, share and share alike,” said Lark.
“That’s squar’,” replied Boone. “We’ll take the buck in to the station. By the way, what’s the news from the upper settlements?”
“Well, nothing particular, ’cept that the red devils are on the war-path ag’in,” replied Lark.
Boone was astonished at the news.
“On the war-path ag’in, eh? What tribe?”